Analyst David Saxon from Needham reiterated a Buy rating on Alcon (ALC – Research Report) and keeping the price target at $106.00.
David Saxon has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors including Alcon’s strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2024, where both revenue and earnings per share exceeded market expectations. Despite the guidance for 2025 being lower than consensus, it was still more favorable than anticipated, especially considering the adverse currency impacts highlighted earlier by management.
Furthermore, the company’s core operating margin showed year-over-year improvement, primarily driven by the Vision Care segment. Although the Implantables segment slightly missed consensus, the results were still considered better than expected amidst competitive pressures. Additionally, Alcon’s apparent gain in contact lens market share compared to the previous year further supports the positive outlook, reinforcing the Buy rating.
In another report released on February 23, Stifel Nicolaus also maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a $100.00 price target.